Talent is everywhere—it just needs an opportunity.

On February 23rd, COPA hosted a first-of-its-kind Talent ID event for male players aged 15-22 in partnership with Oakland Roots SC – The COPA Pro Pathway – The COPA Pro Pathway. From hundreds of participants, 26 top performers earned a data-driven invitation to compete in front of pro scouts.

Unlike traditional trials, every player secured their invite through the COPA Score—an objective, data-driven assessment comparing their abilities to the benchmarks set by Oakland Roots’ first team. No bias. No cost. Just objective performance data. With technical, physical, and cognitive skills forming the foundation, players stepped into a high-performance environment, competing against other ambitious players looking to get an opportunity and impress Oakland Roots Technical Director Jordan Ferrell. By the end of the event, two players earned trials with Oakland Roots, while several others solidified themselves as next-level prospects.

Standout Performers

🔹 JONATHAN ROTH (Mustang SC U19 ECNL, Acalanes HS, 2007 – Outside Back)
Fast, technical, and relentless. Roth’s COPA Score ranked in line with the Oakland Roots first team benchmarks, highlighting his elite speed of play, technical proficiency, and high stress tolerance.

His skeletal age testing also revealed room for further growth, reinforcing his long-term upside. On the field, he impressed Roots Technical Director Jordan Ferrell with his ability to play through pressure, receive in tight areas, and drive forward in possession. Despite playing a full high school playoff match the night before, Roth maintained high energy for 75 minutes, proving he has the work rate of a modern fullback.

He has since trained and played with Oakland Roots & Project 510, including a behind-closed-doors match this past weekend, and has been invited back for further evaluation.

🔹 ERIC REIS (Dominican University, 2005 – Center Back)
A dominant defender, Reis backed up his high Cube rating with a commanding on-field presence. He excelled in 1v1 duels, aerial battles, and distribution from the back, reinforcing his strong technical ability under pressure.

His stress tolerance data in the COPA Score highlighted his ability to process information quickly, a key trait in elite center backs. Oakland Roots took notice, inviting him for an extended trial following the event.

🔹 GAEL PADILLA (Napa United MLS Next U19, 2007 – Center Midfielder)
At 17 years old, Padilla posted one of the highest COPA Scores recorded for his age, ranking among the top percentiles particularly in technical and cognitive performance.

On the field, he showcased elite ball control, positional versatility, and confidence in tight spaces, playing both as a deep-lying No. 6 and as an advanced midfielder. As one of the top midfield prospects at the event, while competing with Napa United, Gael should be considered for the next level knowing the physical development that will happen in the next 6-12 months. Gael is a current COPA Member, leveraging the facility to supplement his development with his club.

🔹 CRISTIAN CORONA (Napa United MLS Next U19, 2007 – Outside Back)
Described by onlookers as a smooth, confident-on-the-ball fullback, Corona thrives in 1v1 situations, combines well in tight spaces, and covers ground effortlessly.

His speed specifically ranked in the top percentile among professional players, and his high endurance allows him to sustain repeated high-intensity actions. With his ability to play both left and right back, and one who loves getting on the ball, Corona is a high-upside prospect for the modern game and is positioned to make it to the next level. Other Notable Performers

⚡ YOSGAR CRUZ (Nevada FC, 2009 – Center Back) – A fast, powerful defender with elite sprint and jump metrics, Cruz made a strong impression despite still being in his growth phase, known thanks to the COPA Score’s unique skeletal age testing.

⚡ MADDAX JOHNSON (Diablo Valley FC U17 MLS Next, 2009 – Winger) – One of the younger players at the event, Johnson showcased strong technical ability, a desire to take on defenders, and exciting physical upside. Again, his growth trajectory was highlighted through his skeletal age testing in his COPA Score.

⚡ NOAH ROSS (Davis Legacy USL2, Chico State Graduate, 2002 – Forward) – A physically dominant striker eager for his next opportunity, Ross used his elite speed and strength to create chances and challenge defenders.

⚡ NAMI BANKS (El Camino Futbol Club, 2007 – Center Back) – A 6’0″ central defender, Banks impressed with his composure in tackles and ability to initiate play from the back re-enforcing his impressive metrics gathered in his COPA Score.

A Unique Opportunity—With More to Come

This event proved that there is talent beyond traditional scouting pipelines. With two players earning pro trials and several others attracting interest, the COPA Score continues to break barriers, providing free, objective pathways to genuine opportunities.

Next up: Racing Louisville Talent ID Day on March 23rd.